Cover Photo: Artu Nepomuceno
Photo: Artu Nepomuceno
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President and medical director of the Aivee Group, Aivee Aguilar-Teo, gets candid about what keeps her inspired, her medical mission, and the future of the clinic
It is no secret that Tatler Asia's Most Influential 2022 honouree Aivee Aguilar-Teo has helped patients achieve the best versions of themselves through revolutionary skin treatments since 2002, a bold feat that's kept her eponymous brand, Aivee Group, at the top despite being in an increasingly competitive field.
See also: In Perpetual Motion: The Teos on Evolving The Aivee Group
Aivee Clinics across the country has a long list of esteemed clients who believe in Teo's brilliance. This beauty empire has extended beyond beauty and aesthetics with other businesses such as Aivee Café, Luxuri Pets, Aivee Skin, Keli Devices and A Star Laboratories.
Teo has also acted on her advocacies by founding Beauty Beyond Borders (BBB), a quarterly medical mission where they visit barangays to help people with dermatological concerns.
Above Nadine Lustre does The Aivee Clinic's Sofwave treatment on her latest visit to The A Institute to feel and look #aiveemazing before she leaves for her next trip. (Photo courtesy of The Aivee Clinic)
Nadine Lustre does The Aivee Clinic's Sofwave treatment on her latest visit to The A Institute to feel and look #aiveemazing before she leaves for her next trip. (Photo courtesy of The Aivee Clinic)
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What are your projects in the last two years that you are most proud of? Why?
Aivee Aguilar-Teo (AGT): The project I am really proud of was the establishment of BBB, or “Beauty Beyond Borders” many years ago. It is a medical mission that we do quarterly. It is something different from my everyday work. We go to various barangays to meet different kinds of people who can’t afford to for a consultation in addressing their dermatological and skin surgical concerns. To give something of myself to our less fortunate brothers and sisters is very fulfilling. Seeing how happy and grateful that we are able to help them is rewarding. It’s something that I always wanted to do, to reach out and to give time to others. It brings me immense joy and a sense of purpose in life.
Above Photo courtesy of The Aivee Clinic
Photo courtesy of The Aivee Clinic
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What challenges do you see now in your respective industry? How do you intend to help address these challenges?
AGT: Our industry is fast-paced, where innovation is crucial—be always on the frontline of technology. We always have to make room for learning and discovering new treatments to provide patients with the results that they want. It is important to continuously educate myself and do extensive research in this ever-evolving field. Since dermatology and aesthetics is a growing industry, there is a lot of competition, so it’s challenging to be better as a doctor. Another challenge is maintaining that “personalised service”, avoiding compromising quality over quantity, sustaining the standard of the services and constantly being hands-on in this business.
Above Dr Aivee and Dr Z Teo pose with The Aivee Clinic's newest skin-lifting technology. (Photo courtesy of The Aivee Clinic)
Dr Aivee and Dr Z Teo pose with The Aivee Clinic's newest skin-lifting technology. (Photo courtesy of The Aivee Clinic)
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What can you say to those who’d like to follow in your footsteps?
AGT: The best advice that I can give is there are no shortcuts; you really have to work hard and think of the greater gain, think out of the box and be able to stand out because we are a lot of people in this chosen field. You need to bring something unique, making sure that your treatments are relevant and effective because it's not as glamorous as people think. You should put in a lot of effort, and time and be passionate about the work that you do. You have to be dedicated and patient. I don't believe in instant gain; I prefer to work and grow gradually because if you do, you will feel fulfilled.
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Who do you look up to for guidance, inspiration or mentorship?
AGT: First, my parents. I saw how hard-working they are and how they value the importance of building good relationships with other people. They instil in me not to compromise my values in achieving my goals and dreams. I believe that our parents are the ones who mould us to be the person we are and I feel that it’s my parents who are the biggest influencers in terms of hard work and achieving goals in life.
See also: The Aivee Clinic Sofwave is Your New Holy Grail Beauty Treatment
AGT: Second is my husband, Z. I saw how dedicated and passionate he is. I saw how hard-working and driven he is. He always had in him a vision that I think compliments me. The partnership that we have inspires me to be the best version of myself.
Lastly, of course, my kids. I want to show them the value of achieving their own dreams and not just depending on other people. They also inspire me to do the best that I can so they can follow what example I have set.
Above Photo: Artu Nepomuceno
Photo: Artu Nepomuceno
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What are your plans for the coming years and what keeps you going?
AGT: We are planning to open a new Aivee Clinic next year, hopefully. We are also expanding Aivee Skin by introducing new skin care products. Another is we are opening another branch of Luxuri Pets in Alabang in the next few months. We envision many plans next year, but we are just taking it one step at a time.
What keeps me going is the passion and the drive to do the best that I can. I want to challenge myself to do better every day and maintain longevity in this business. I see inspiration in other doctors being successful in their field. Their enthusiasm and their achievements also encourage me to keep me going.
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